**1. Introduction**

Goats are one of most antiquated domesticated species in the world, and have been associated with human settlements for at least 10,000 years [1]. The huge capacity of adaptation that the species presents to different and sometimes really harsh environmental conditions (such as desert locations) has benefited their constant increase and spread around the world, being the species (together with the dog) with the highest world diffusion [2]. This is observable from the continuing increment of its census population over the last century [3].

Due to its versatility and the possibility of being reared in different production systems, goats have different functions in developing and developed countries, being an important resource for food supply for the former and focused mainly on intensive production and elaboration of products with different qualities for the latter [4]. However, in all regions, goats have kept the function of maintaining the rural population using available local resources, being a resilient species that has become a source of income that has sustained life in rural areas, and with adequate management can help to maintain sustainability in diverse regions [5].

However, in many countries the species is highly dependent on external aids (such as economic supports) to guarantee its progress. So, the increase in information that provides the specific and current situation of the species in diverse contexts will help to design specific strategies to improve animal production and the quality of life of goat producers around the world.
